provide material

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide material" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is frequently used to indicate that someone has supplied something that can be used for a particular purpose. For example, "The library provided the material I needed for my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We don't exist to provide material for comedians.

The New York Times - Magazine

The other is to provide material for internal job applications.

The Guardian

The most serious charge was conspiring to provide "material support" to a terrorist organization.

The New York Times

Mr. Grecula was arrested and charged with trying to provide material support to a terrorist group.

The New York Times

The man, Tarek Mehanna, 27, was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

The New York Times

One question that does arise is how do busy academics create sufficient time to provide material?

The Guardian

$21. WILL the horrors of the Holocaust ever cease to provide material for contemporary literature?

The New York Times - Books

"Every inaccuracy or inconsistency will provide material for the defense for cross-examination," Richman said.

The New York Times - Sports

Ahmed has since been indicted for conspiring to provide material support to Isis.

The Guardian

Most of my songs have come out of a need to provide material for performing.

The New York Times

In their complexity, the South China Sea disputes provide material for endless scholarly bickering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide material" in legal contexts, be specific about the type of material being provided to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "provide financial material" or "provide evidentiary material".

Common error

Avoid using "provide material" in casual conversation; simpler verbs like "give" or "offer" are often more appropriate. Overuse can sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide material" functions as a verb phrase where "provide" is a transitive verb requiring an object, and "material" serves as the direct object. It is used to describe the act of supplying or making available something tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide material" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the act of supplying resources, information, or content. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Analysis of usage patterns indicates it is most common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, but less so in informal conversation. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the type of material being provided and to avoid overuse in casual settings. Related phrases like "supply resources" and "furnish information" can serve as alternatives depending on the context. Overall, "provide material" is a valuable phrase to have in one's vocabulary, particularly for formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply resources

Focuses on the act of supplying resources in a more general sense.

make available resources

Highlights the act of making resources accessible.

furnish information

Emphasizes the provision of information rather than physical materials.

offer data

Highlights the act of offering data or information for analysis or use.

give input

Suggests providing input, which can be in the form of information or feedback.

contribute content

Focuses on contributing content, usually in a digital or media context.

present findings

Refers to presenting research findings or results.

submit documentation

Focuses on submitting formal documentation.

deliver assets

Highlights the delivery of assets, often in a business or project context.

render support

Suggests offering support, which may include providing materials or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "provide material" in a sentence?

You can use "provide material" to indicate the act of supplying resources, information, or content. For example, "The library can "provide material" for your research project."

What are some alternatives to "provide material"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "supply resources", "furnish information", or "offer data" instead of "provide material".

Is it appropriate to use "provide material" in casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, "provide material" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "give" or "offer" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "provide material" and "offer assistance"?

"Provide material" specifically refers to supplying resources, information, or content, while "offer assistance" is a broader term that includes providing help or support in various forms, not necessarily material goods or information.